Imagine yourself walking into a hospital but, instead of sterile white walls and harsh lighting, you are greeted with earth tones and lush greenery. That’s the magic of biophilic design. It’s about bringing nature indoors, and it’s making a significant difference in healthcare settings.
Patient Recovery
Patients surrounded by nature tend to feel less stressed, which means lower blood pressure, reduced heart rates and overall improved mood. It has been proven in many studies that whether it is through views of green spaces or indoor gardens, being around nature has been shown to accelerate healing processes and often experience shorter hospital stays and require less pain medication. [4]
Mental Health
Natural light and greenery can boost mood and contribute to a sense of well-being. This is particularly important in healthcare settings where patients may be experiencing anxiety or depression. Nature helps you think better and boosts attention spans too. Patients and staff surrounded by nature tend to be more focussed and alert. [1][2]
Happy Patients
Patients feel more at ease in biophilic spaces which can lead to higher patient satisfaction and improved overall healthcare experience. Elements such as natural light and plants can make healthcare facilities feel less like a clinical space and more like a retreat giving you a sense of comfort and tranquillity.
Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals working in environments that incorporate plants, and natural elements may experience reduced stress and burnout, making them happier and more productive. Natural light and views of nature can help doctors and nurses stay sharp and energized, leading to more efficient and effective patient care.
Making it Happen
Design the space with plants in mind rather as an afterthought. For example, integrate an indoor forest for recovery or meal areas or vertical gardens at a mezzanine. Maximise the use of natural light through large windows, skylights, and open spaces. Include a water element to facilitate healing and offer visual stimuli, such as fountains, ponds or aquariums. Use materials like wood and stone in design.
Sources
- Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health, well-being, and sustainability: A critical review – ScienceDirect
- Healthy Dwelling: [PDF] Healthy Dwelling: Design of Biophilic Interior Environments Fostering Self-Care Practices for People Living with Migraines, Chronic Pain, and Depression | Semantic Scholar
- What is Biophilic Design – Victorian Health Building Authority. What is biophilic design? | VHBA
- Biophilic design in health careBiophilic design in health care :: Hospital + Healthcare
